For the first time since Prince George's christening, the Duchess of Cambridge has returned to her engagements with a very important event - the 100 Women in Hedge Funds Gala at Kensington Palace.
Guests enjoyed a cocktail reception before dinner where Kate spoke about little George's christening, noting how well behaved he was: "He was such a good boy actually, he's not always like that, but, the people there, lots going on, it's slightly distracting." The Duchess revealed the three-month-old was "fast asleep" when she left tonight.
Prince William became patron of 100 Women in Hedge Funds' philanthropic initiatives in 2009 and, in late 2012, the Duchess and Prince Harry joined William to become patrons for an additional three years. The organisation has a strong track record of supporting charities and has raised $28 million in the areas of women's and family health, education and mentoring.
Tonight's gala benefited Kate's patronage Action on Addiction - the only UK charity working across the addiction field in research, prevention, treatment, professional education and support. One in three people suffer from addiction, a quite shocking statistic, I think you'll agree. It breaks up families and destroys lives, and I don't think there is one of us who doesn't know someone affected by addiction, yet there is still a great deal of misunderstanding about what it is, who it effects and how to reach out for the appropriate help.
Through her patronage, the Duchess has attempted to bring the problem to the public's attention through a series of engagements. Earlier this year she visited the Willows Primary School to meet children of addicts where she said:'Addiction is a hugely complex and destructive disease and its impact can be simply devastating. All too often, lives and families can be destroyed by it. Research has shown that children of those who are addicted are seven times more likely to have addiction problems themselves. They are also brought up surrounded by fear, instability and chaos.'The charity's vision is to disarm addiction and they take action in a variety of ways including prevention, treatment and rehabilitation, support for families and children, research, education, workforce development and advocacy. If you wish to donate or find out more about the charity please click here.
Staff from Action on Addiction were incredibly excited about the gala and shared a photo via their Facebook Page before leaving for Kensington Palace. They all looked lovely in their black frocks.
The Cambridges attended the 2011 gala at St James's Palace, which raised over £675,000 for the Child Bereavement Charity, while Prince William attended last year's gala solo.
The organisation shared a photo of the venue of the gala - The King's Gallery. Tickets ranged in price from £2,000 to £60,000 for a platinum table seating twelve.
Now that William and Kate have moved into Apartment 1A, I expect we will see them hosting more events at the State Apartments. The King's Gallery is the longest and largest of them and it was an ideal venue for the black tie event. It hasn't changed very much since 1727 when it was decorated for King George I and it was used for displaying pictures as well as for exercise. It is dominated by a copy of Van Dyck's portrait of Charles I on horseback at its east end.
The Duchess presented Dame Amelia Fawcett with the 100 Women in Hedge Funds' 2013 European Industry Leadership Award.
Kate looked beautiful in an ink blue Jenny Packham dress. The off the shoulder silk tulle gown is from the designer Autumn/Winter 2013/2014 collection and features a deep v neck.
The gown is described this way.
'Simply stunning in ink-tinged silk, this floor-grazing gown from Jenny Packham is the ultimate in evening elegance. It features a wrapped front, V-neckline, gathered short sleeves, black velvet sash, hidden back zip, tailored bodice and full skirt'.
It is a stunning piece and undoubtedly one of Kate's best evening looks thus far. The dress is available at StyleBop for €4,219.
Kate accessorised with her diamond flower cluster art-deco bracelet with matching diamond earrings. They are thought to have been a wedding gift from Prince Charles. Below we take a closer look at them from previous occasions the Duchess has worn them.
Kate is wearing a new ring which appears to have a bow shape.
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